Family, friends, golf world say goodbye to William Powell

William Powell was remembered Wednesday as a humble man whose tireless efforts in building diversity in golf made him a hero to many who may not even have known him.

Family, friends and dignitaries celebrated the life of the 93-year-old Powell during his funeral services at Minerva United Methodist Church.

Powell, the founder of Clearview Golf Course and the first black man to plan, build, own and operate a golf course, died Dec. 31 of complications following a stroke.

Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Franco Harris said Powell’s reach to others stretched a long way.

“In sports and in life you talk about a game changer, someone who makes that big difference,” Harris said. “Sometimes it might even be a person you don’t even know about or haven’t heard about, but they prepared themselves for such a long time for that moment. But as we know, God always sends us what we need when we need it.

“Mr. Powell the game changer has passed. But because of him the game has changed forever. And Bill Powell will live forever.”

The grandson of Alabama slaves, Powell broke down racial barriers he faced throughout his life in 1946 when he started to build Clearview on former dairy farmland in Osnaburg Township. The nine-hole course opened two years later. An additional nine holes was added in 1978.

Clearview is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is nicknamed “America’s Course.”

“He said, ‘Golf is a part of society,’ and he wanted to be part of it,” former LPGA Vice President Betsy Clark said. “But more than that, he wanted everyone to be a part of it.

“He built Clearview ... and people came knowing that no matter what, they could play and have a safe haven to play regardless of gender or race at a time in American history when this was not the norm. He quietly and effectively began to break the barriers down in East Canton and this area.

“Clearview, ‘America’s Course,’ and a clear view Dr. P shared every day with his words and actions will be his legacy and a model for all to embrace.”

PGA Chief Executive Joe Steranka said Powell’s selection as the 2009 PGA of America Distinguished Service Award recipient completed a circle that began in the 1920s when Powell began playing and caddying at Edgewater Golf Course outside Minerva. He remembers Powell speaking of his love for golf during the award ceremony at the PGA Championship in Minnesota.

“To hear those stories and what that man endured, and he still kept coming back to golf,” Steranka said. “That’s the power of this great game.”

Powell cleared the land where Clearview was built, many hours by hand.

Former PGA of America President Brian Whitcomb said Powell threw a lot more than seeds on the land.

“He threw hope, and he threw pride,” Whitcomb said. “He threw all the things that built the Clearview Golf Course into what it represents today.”

Former Cleveland Indian Andre Thornton said when he thinks about Powell, he can’t help but think about his family and his visits to Clearview over the years.

Powell married his late wife, Marcella, on his birthday in 1940. His daughter, Renee, played on the LPGA Tour from 1967-80 and currently is Clearview’s head pro. His son, Larry, is Clearview’s superintendent. Another son, William, is deceased.

“If Norman Rockwell was alive, I would commission him to paint this painting which is in my mind,” Thornton said. “I can see Mrs. Powell behind the counter with her apron on. I can see Mr. Powell sitting on the stool with that smile. Renee is over by the Wilson golf bag at the front of the door, looking out at the first tee. Larry with his boots on, just going out the door getting ready to mow the grass.

“It’s that picture that I will always have in my mind.”

Family members and other friends also spoke during the 2-hour, 10-minute service. Powell was laid to rest in Minerva’s East Lawn Cemetery.

Renee Powell said her father would have been stunned and overwhelmed to have read all the articles written about him during the past week.

“He was a very humble man,” she said. “He has, however, created Clearview Golf Club, a foundation, a living legacy and a living memorial for all people to enjoy and preserve.”

The Repository